Why should you install a new air conditioner?
There are a few signs that could signal that you need to replace your air conditioner. They aren't made to last forever. Typically, they last between 10-15 years, so if yours is older than that, you may start experiencing some of the signs below.
Blowing hot or warm air
If your air conditioner is blowing air that is not cool or is hot, this could be a sign it needs to be replaced. The usual issue that causes no cold air is thermostat issues, a clogged filter, a clogged drain, a dirty compressor, or low refrigerant levels. It's best to get a professional licensed HVAC technician to look it over to find out what the issue is. Trying to fix an air conditioner unit on your own is a bad idea because if any problems happen, it could cause costly damage to the unit or your home.
Excessive Moisture
All air conditioning units will create moisture, but they will be able to handle it without creating an excessive amount. If you're noticing a leak, or a high amount of water, this signals a problem with your air conditioning unit. It could be a refrigerant leak, and if that's the case, that can be dangerous to your family and your home, because it can cause health issues. It's best to call a professional if you suspect a refrigerant leak and get it fixed right away for the safety of you and your home. On top of that, it can be a way for mold to grow in your home. Both the chemicals in refrigerant or mold can be toxic to breathe in. Please call a professional if you spot mold near your unit or if you suspect any kind of leak.
Strange Noises
AC units are supposed to make such a small amount of noise that they should be undetectable when turning on or off. If you hear any kind of grinding, banging, or chattering, that's a sign you may need to repair or replace the unit. It's best to have a professional take a look to know what you'll need to do to fix the extra noise.
Musty Smell
If you're smelling a moldy or musty smell from your air conditioning unit, it may be time to clean it or replace it. Even worse is a burning or smokey smell. That means the unit needs to be fixed immediately because it could be dangerous if the problem is not taken care of.
Higher Electricity Bills
If your electricity bills have suddenly spiked, it may be because your air conditioning unit is working too hard to try to cool your home. If everything in the unit isn't working at tip-top shape, it will cause the machine to work harder and use more electricity, therefore, causing higher bills.
It's hot in the house
If your air conditioner has been on all day but it's still hot in the house, this could be the unit working too hard and still not cooling, meaning it may be too old to keep up like it used to. This could also be a clog in the duct rather than a full replacement.
The unit is old
If your air conditioning unit is older than 15 years, it may be an issue that requires a replacement. However, some air conditioning units with regular maintenance can run for up to 20 years. It all depends on the unit, the climate, and how it's taken care of. It's best to have a professional take a look at the unit to see if it needs a repair or a replacement. The good news about purchasing a new unit is that newer systems are more efficient and can actually save you money by using less energy and working less hard, saving you from having to replace anything sooner or running up your electricity bill.
Your AC requires frequent repairs
If you find yourself having to fix your unit often, even if it's just little fixes, it may be time to replace the whole unit. Not only will this save you money in the long run, but will let you rest easy that your unit won't need another fix for a while. It's better to spend more now to get a brand new and efficient unit rather than continuing to fix an old one because eventually, you'll fix every part that will equal more than just buying a new one in the first place.
Humidity builds up in the house
Your air conditioner is supposed to cool the house, but it's also supposed to control humidity by keeping it outside. If you're noticing more moisture in the house than normal, it may be a sign that your air conditioning unit can't keep up anymore and may need to be replaced.
